The Minnesota Credit Union Network is excited to announce that 8 states will participate in the annual day of spreading kindness on Monday, October 9, 2023. Illinois joined the initiative in 2020, followed by Michigan in 2022. Montana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Tennessee will kick off their efforts for the first time this year. 

​We are pleased to welcome 35 credit unions and partners so far for 2023: 

1. Accentra Credit Union 
   
2. ​AHCU
3. Case Financial
4. City & County Credit Union
5. CUCollaborate
6. Embarrass Vermillion Federal Credit Union
7. Expedition Credit Union
8. Farm Credit Employees Credit Union
9. Federated Employees Credit Union
10. First Alliance Credit Union
11. Heartland Credit Union
12. Hiway Credit Union Foundation
13. Home Town Federal Credit Union
14. Ideal Credit Union
15. Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union
16. Minnco Credit Union
17. Minnesota Catholic Credit Union
18. Minnesota Credit Union Network
19. MN Power Employees Credit Union
20. MY CREDIT UNION
21. North Memorial Federal Credit Union
22. North Star Credit Union
23. Northern States Power - St. Paul Credit Union
24. Novation Credit Union
25. NSPCU
26. Red Wing Credit Union
27. Royal Credit Union
28. SharePoint Credit Union
29. South Metro Federal Credit Union
30. SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
31. SPIRE Credit Union
32. Teamsters Credit Union
33. TruStone Financial Credit Union
34. Virginia Co-op Credit Union
35. Wings Credit Union

To join, please register to confirm your credit union's interest and/or participation in CU Forward Day 2023. With questions, please contact Director of Engagement, Xiong Lee, via email or by phone at (612) 802-7695.

The voting period for the proposed merger of CUNA and NAFCU has officially opened. Voting will close at 5:00 PM Eastern on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. 

​​“The formation of America’s Credit Unions will be an opportunity to better serve our collective membership, lead the industry into the future, and ensure the growth and prosperity of all credit unions. America’s Credit Unions will maximize value and efficiency for members, while remaining focused on providing relentless advocacy, unparalleled compliance assistance, and impactful educational events,” wrote NAFCU Board of Directors Chair Gary Grinnell and CUNA Board of Directors Chair Lisa Ginter in messages to member CEOs ahead of the vote.

"We are excited with the news of CUNA and NAFCU announcing merger intentions to create America’s Credit Unions. At MnCUN, we see this as a tremendous opportunity to combine the best of both trade associations to provide best-in-class resources for credit unions and speak with one voice in Washington D.C. We look forward to working collaboratively to be credit unions’ strongest partner and advocate," Humphrey said earlier this month.

Members were asked to whitelist [email protected] to ensure that they receive the electronic ballot. Prospective voters should check their inbox for this message and refer to the CUNA Merger site for questions related to voting.

​Additional details on the Transition Board of Directors and dues structure can be found online. Credit unions are encouraged to continue providing feedback throughout the vote period. CUNA and NAFCU will keep members informed of developments.

As part of our dues supported services, CEOs of MnCUN affiliated credit unions have access to CUNA’s 2023-24 Credit Union Staff Salary Report.

This report provides the most comprehensive industry specific salary analysis available to credit unions. The survey features compensation data for 90 positions from over 1,000 credit unions, including the CEO, plus 10 part-time positions. The report also includes a cost of labor multiplier to calculate adjustments for standard of living for states and over 400 cities. 

A link to the report was sent to CEO's for download last Friday. 

​Please note: the download is available for MnCUN member CEOs only, and you must be logged into the site to access the survey. Once downloaded, the survey is subject to copyright restrictions and can legally be shared only with management, staff and board members of your own credit union, per the CEO’s discretion. 

If you are heading to the State Fair, check out “Your Money Further@Minnesota Credit Unions” at the K102 and Kare11 booths. We’ve partnered with iHeart media to giveaway gift cards to members of Minnesota Credit Unions, and promote the advantage of credit union membership. 

​Event presence will be supported by online, social and radio ads. If you spot the iHeart vehicle or our promotional efforts at the Fair, post a photo on social tagging @mncreditunions.

Chief Examiner’s Reminders: During the MnCUN’s monthly meeting with Department of Commerce’s Chief Examiner, Aeton de Long-Hersh, provided a reminder to credit unions.

Combining Periodic Statements: The official commentary from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for residential mortgage periodic statements allows credit unions to include “combined disclosures” onto the mortgage periodic statement, unless other state and federal laws prohibit.

Ahead of the graduation of this year's cohort of MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program in September, we will be highlighting the credit union professionals participating in the second year of the program. 

Ryan Diaz, Branch Manager/Operations, Star Choice Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I believe in what we stand for, how we choose to come alongside and help our members and each other. It's very gratifying to help someone start, continue or finish their financial journey.
How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I've added invaluable knowledge on the overall picture of leading a credit union. It has helped bridge the day-to-day branch operations with executive function and planning that I look forward to utilizing in the near future.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Fostering better CU peer relationships via networking and timely and knowledgeable content and contributors.

Kathy Frias, Vice President Operations, Anoka Hennepin Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
My career in the credit union world chose me. I was given the opportunity to join AHCU as part of a high school internship and after holding several different positions within the CU, a passion and love evolved for the CU world, the movement and the ability to help members with all their financial needs.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I believe the Trailblazers program provides a deeper look into areas of the financial organization that have not been explored before in my career. There is a whole new world that is uncovered when you take this course, and it provides great insight and resources that will be of much value as I continue to grow in the industry.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have really enjoyed the knowledge shared, the connections I have made and the confidence that this program has given me. It is a lot of information but the resources I have also received are going to be a great help!

Jeff Valley, Director of Data and Analytics, TopLine Financial Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
Initially, it was an opportunity that came at a good time for me, and I was able to rejoin several former coworkers who spoke highly of TopLine and credit unions in general. I quickly developed a genuine appreciation for the way credit unions prioritize the well-being of their members and actively engage with their local communities. Additionally, the complex member, operational, and financial data we work with always presents new and interesting analytical challenges.
How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
It offers the opportunity to learn from experienced credit union professionals and other industry experts with a range of backgrounds and areas of focus. Meeting regularly with the cohort has given me a broader perspective on the changing landscape we are all facing, and how we may tackle the challenges it presents industry-wide.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Being able to exchange ideas and perspectives with my peers. Getting to learn and work with such a diverse and capable group of fellow professionals has been a very rewarding experience so far!

Libby Wasylik, Assistant Branch Manager, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I love making a difference in people's lives. Having spent many years working in the arts it is wonderful being in an industry that values people's unique perspectives and needs. Credit Unions really do make people's dreams come true.
How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I feel much more confident in my leadership. I love having a broader perspective of the industry as a whole and on how my leadership role plays into the success of my Credit Union and Credit Unions in general.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Getting to know other leaders in other credit unions! I have made so many valuable connections.

Join the upcoming Financial Education Peer-to-Peer (P2P) on Wednesday, September 6 starting at 1:00 p.m. via webinar and video conference. 

The fall session will discuss the implementation of the new personal finance graduation requirement for high school students. We'll be joined by Emily Leite, Chief Advocacy Officer of the Ohio Credit Union League. Emily will share insights from credit unions in Ohio after similar legislation was signed into law. 

Then we will discuss ways to provide engaging financial education activities including a demo of "Cashy." Cashy makes finance engaging through gaming and partners with credit unions that want to attract young members. 

Date: Wednesday, September 6
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $49.00

This event is meant to be an opportunity to meet and share with one another. The open session and forum will conclude with time to discuss questions with participants. 

For a list of all P2P sessions, visit our Peer-to-Peer (P2P) webpage. With questions, please contact Xiong Lee, Director of Engagement at [email protected].

Those who have obtained the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation are required to recertify every three years to ensure that knowledge about financial counseling is current.

CCUFC professionals in Minnesota have the option to receive re-certification with the MnCU Foundation. This opportunity includes a virtual refresher training provided by CU Difference on October 12 from 10:00-12:00, and a copy of the CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program Update e-book. Please note those registered may not receive the e-book prior to the webinar. 

​With questions contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director MnCU Foundation.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) is pleased to announce the state-level winners of the 2023 Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring and Desjardins award competitions. These awards are sponsored each year by MnCUN and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). 

​​​​​“I am proud of how invested Minnesota credit unions are in the well-being of their members and the communities they serve,” MnCUN President & CEO Mara Humphrey. “Congratulations to the state-level winners of the CUNA Awards for their well-deserved recognition.”

The winning entries will compete against statewide winners from across the country. Entries will be judged by the CUNA Awards Committee this fall. Entries that place in the national competition will be recognized during the 2024 Governmental Affairs Conference.

The 2023 Minnesota award-winners in the asset categories noted are: 

Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award

• $50 - 250 million in assets: Associated Healthcare Credit Union, Adopt A Unit
  
• $250 million - $1 billion in assets: My Credit Union: 1st Annual "Fall Classic" Charity Cornhole Invitational Tournament Benefiting Minnesota Veterans
• More than $1 billion in assets: Hiway Credit Union, Black Police Officers Association - Backpacks and Barbers Event

Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award

• $50 - 250 million in assets: North Star Credit Union, Providing Guidance for the Financial Future Of Our Membership
• $250 million - $1 billion in assets: TopLine Financial Credit Union, Enhanced FiCEP – Financial Counseling Certification Program
• More than $1 billion in assets: Financial Inclusion: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Overdraft Fee Changes For Those Who Need It Most.

Desjardins Adult Financial Education Awards

• $50 - 250 million in assets: Northern Communities Credit Union, FLi with NCCYou, Northern Communities Credit Union
• $250 million - $1 billion in assets, TopLine Financial Credit Union, Xcel Energy Careers Academy and Financial Learning Center
• More than $1 billion in assets: City & County Credit Union, Tip Tuesday, Video Financial Education Series

Desjardins Youth Financial Education Awards

• $50 - 250 million in assets, NCCYouth, Northern Communities Credit Union
• $250 million - $1 billion in assets: SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, Mad City Money
• More than $1 billion in assets: Hiway Credit Union, Hiway Partners with St. Paul School on Financial Well-Being

The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award was created in 1987 and recognizes credit unions for the activities they coordinate that benefit the community or a specific charity. This award promotes social responsibility among credit unions by formally recognizing their achievements outside the credit union.

The Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Member Service Award is given to a credit union for its practical application of the "people helping people” philosophy in internal operations. Created in 1990, this award promotes the credit union philosophy by formally recognizing credit unions that demonstrate in an extraordinary way the application of the movement's principles in serving their members.

The Desjardins Youth and Adult Financial Education Awards formally recognize the leadership of individual credit unions and chapters in their efforts to better educate youth and adults in financial literacy.

More information can be found on the National Awards Page.